art of something greater than the weekly “Friday Folder” that is being sent home to show their learning progress (or lack thereof).

Having someone there to listen to you Feeling valued and appreciated when you share something Being taken serious Someone to clarify questions Being pushed into new perspectives when “stuck” Being part of a discussion Being able to contribute to someone else’s learning

Start practicing these skills in  Pre-Kindergarten (4 year olds). Allow students to share an experience by recording (articulate, create) or  illustrate (create) a picture about it Then take the time to listen or view it (listening) as a class and talk about it as a group (share) . Ask students to give their opinions (reflect & respond). Record the students’ responses or let them dictate you while you type them directly into the blog. Kindergarten teachers incorporate a “blogger” center in their center rotation. The blogger writes (free or from a prompt). Share the blog entry and write comments to the authors as a class. Upload First graders insect reports (illustrations, PowerPoint, recording, etc). Extend the learning… don’t let it end with the presentation. Create an online research center for bugs. Upload any kind of traditional student work, then allow classmates to record or write comments Second graders can become science, history, etc. or classroom happening reporters…being on the lookout for “their” topic coming up in class or resources…collecting information…images… Allow each student in third grade  to become an expert of one of the curriculum areas or topic of their choice. They share their research and expertise with the rest of the class throughout the year on the blog Fourth graders are writing different book reports throughout the year. Find a way to use these reports to create a collaborative space on your blog. How can we get the students to “own” the learning that is taking place while they are learning and practicing to produce these “required” reports? Students divide into groups to become the knowledgeable about the state of Florida. They become responsible to inform others about their area. Allow different media of their choice to deliver that content. Make sure the feedback for their efforts on the blog does not get neglected. Repeated practice becomes routine. Incorporate reflection and feedback into the learning process. Fifth and sixth graders are old enough to have their own username and password AND be responsible with its use. Use the blog as a space to incorporate their interests. Teach them to make connections between the curriculum and these interests… Be proud to share them… Allow them to make mistakes…they are perfect learning opportunities… Students should be challenged by higher level thinking questions… use prompts and feedback in your comments to guide… given more freedom in choosing their creative outlet to present a point of view, experience or lead discussion in new directions. Bottom line: Involve students in their own learning. Let them become teachers, let them edit each other, let them learn the value of collaborative knowledge. Guide them through the process of becoming life long learners. Learning does not stop because the chapter or unit is over. Make them aware of the connections that are all around us. Share and collaborate on your blog. View your blog as your classroom’s Learning Space.